The best lamb in Mallorca (not for the feint hearted)

I’m sure you’ve all heard the expression about finding the best things “off the beaten track”? 

Here’s something that for me, travel has generally proved correct, when you are in an establishment in a touristy location, and enjoying tremendous views, the service and food is generally lousy.

The good news is there are always exceptions to the rule, so here’s my tip of the day to agree with the first point and shatter the second one, I can safely say this place situated high up a mountain and within walking distance of a famous Castle, offers undoubtedly the finest Lamb in Mallorca and possibly the entire Mediterranean.

Officially called Es Verger, but known affectionately to all locals alike as  “the Lambie” located above the peaceful and beautiful village of Alaro, nested in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountain range.

The drive is a real challenge and delivers a sense of achievement when you finally arrive at your destination, I have done this many times and strangely the coming down was always more fun, although one time I took a mini bus and almost caused two of my family visitors to have heart attacks !!

You can see the ruins of the Castell d’Alaro becoming closer as the zig zagging road changes from a dirt  track to a rock track, such fun.

The only reason you will be making this trip is for the lamb, so apologies to non meat eaters, but it’s not worth you guys going.

The sheep hanging out in the car park are a menu give-away. In his Mediterranean Escapes series of books, UK-based chef Rick Stein praises the lamb as the moistest he has ever tasted – and right he is.
The secret of the lamb is in the preparation, Antonia fires up the wood oven every morning to slow cook the lamb for three-and-a-half hours in beer, herbs, carrots and onions until meltingly tender.
You wont need to bother with a menu (there really isn’t one) I recommend just ordering the paletilla de cordero (the shoulder of lamb), I promise you will not be disappointed, served with salad and potatoes, that’s all you’ll need, obviously you’ll need a glass of wine or two, one to get over the trip up, and one more to prepare for the trip down, (maybe make that bottles then).

You wont be disappointed, the label-less house wine (make that the only wine) is on the table just waiting for you to pull the cork out and pour, it is so bad it’s quite drinkable, and the good news it costs almost nothing.

If you have space at the end of your meal, there are a few Mallorcan desserts on offer.

However another “must try” is the flaming brandy liqueur, made from a local digestive called Palo, which resembles a cross between tar and molass’s  which is a house speciality.

If that doesn’t quite ring your bell but you like to try authentic things, try the “hierbas” an aniseed flavoured drink that will have you making the drive down like Lewis Hamilton in a hurry… 

All in all this will be a memorable meal, and excursion, the Island views are spectacular, the food amazing, the price will stagger you, you will leave with a full satisfied stomach, and the ability to say, “ the Lambie, yes I’ve been there”.

Created by Kevin Wash 

Photos from www.tramuntana.com